What is an air conditioner?
An air conditioner (also known as an air-to-air heat pump) is typically composed of two units: the indoor and outdoor units. These are usually called ‘split’ systems. There is also a multi split version, which consists of multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit.
The indoor unit is the part of an air-to-air heat pump system that’s located within the home and provides the hot/cool air into the space. The split outdoor unit, which can usually be mounted on an exterior wall or positioned in the garden or on a roof, contains the compressor, propeller fan, circuit board and heat exchanger. The outdoor unit compresses refrigerant, which moves heat in or out of the room through the indoor unit. Air conditioning transfers energy from the outside air to your room, no matter what the temperature outside.
How does it work?
Air conditioners work in a similar way to refrigerators, by transferring energy between the inside and outside. In heating mode, they absorb energy from the outdoor air and release it as heat through the indoor unit. In cooling mode, the process is reversed: heat is extracted from inside your home and released outside. Some of the newer air conditioning products, such as Daikin’s Multi+ system, can also produce domestic hot water, reducing the need for separate units. This saves space and lowers energy costs.
Can I install air conditioning in my old property?
Yes, air conditioning can be installed in almost any home. There are, however, some considerations that may need to be addressed, particularly regarding insulation. In order for any kind of heat pump to work efficiently, your home needs to be well-insulated to prevent as much heat from escaping as possible. A suitably qualified heating engineer can advise you on what needs to be done in your home for it to be appropriate for a heat pump system. This might include upgrading the insulation of your walls and roof.
Available in wall-mounted, floor-standing, cased or concealed and concealed ceiling indoor units, Daikin’s air conditioning units’ unique design blends in with their surroundings and fits seamlessly into modern interiors thanks to their smooth design and compact size.
Does an air conditioner only produce cold air?
Air conditioners can heat and cool your home by transferring energy in an exceptionally energy-efficient way to achieve the perfect temperature all year round.
Having the ability to control the temperature of your property, room by room, will allow you to enjoy total home comfort. Consider installing air conditioning, which carefully balances the temperature, heating, and air purity to create the most comfortable climate, all year round.
Can air conditioning provide hot water?
Daikin’s new all-in-one system, Multi+, offers heating, cooling, air purification and domestic hot water for small and mid-size homes. It connects up to five units and one domestic hot water tank and is compatible with a 120 and 230-litre tank and a wide range of indoor units, offering unrivalled flexibility.
The system features weather-dependent settings, where the water temperature is determined automatically by the external temperature. If the outdoor temperature drops or rises, the unit compensates instantly without requiring user adjustment.
Hamid Salimi, Daikin’s residential product manager, said: ‘The Multi+ system is a real game changer. Not only is it quick and easy to install, but it also gives the customer cooling, heating, air purification and hot water in one, simple-to-use system. The outdoor unit is compact, which means that it is ideal for small outdoor spaces such as balconies and terraces.’
The installation of the Multi+ system is not a DIY job and requires professional training. Daikin’s Sustainable Home Centre network is a good place to start to get advice and connect with a professional, qualified installer!
Can air conditioning help with allergies?
Daikin's air conditioners can give you relief from your allergies because they can capture the allergens in the heat pump filter and improve the quality of air that you are breathing. Not only do air conditioners keep you at the ideal temperature, but they also remove pollutants, pollen and particles from your breathing space.
In what ways does air conditioning help maintain comfort during warmer weather?
Air conditioning offers a wide range of benefits, especially when it comes to staying cool in warmer weather and during a heatwave. By helping to reduce humidity levels, air conditioning creates a more comfortable living environment by preventing the stickiness associated with high humidity. A cool indoor environment also significantly improves sleep quality, as lower temperatures help regulate body heat and create a more restful atmosphere.
Is air conditioning bad for the environment?
Air conditioning offers a way to efficiently heat and cool a home using energy extracted from the outside air, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. By utilising renewable energy from the air, air conditioning reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a greener environment. With up to A+++ energy efficiency ratings both in heating and cooling, you can save a lot on your energy consumption.
Who should get an air conditioner?
Air conditioning can benefit a wide range of homeowners. With a multi-split system, one outdoor unit connects to several indoor units, giving you individual control in each room. This is perfect if you want your living room cosy while keeping your bedroom cooler.
Air conditioning is also great for tricky spaces like loft conversions or conservatories that get too hot or cold. Plus, it can be a real help for anyone who needs extra temperature control for health or comfort.
Daikin are this year’s headline sponsor for Grand Designs Live, the UK’s premier home and design exhibition, taking place at the London ExCeL from the 2nd – 5th May.